The Era of 1960s in America - Essay Example

Teacher’s ID 1960s is considered as the era in which American society showed ideological transformation of a great deal. Many American values and institutions were questioned by the growing strength of youth who preferred to stay segregated from traditional political system and social values while developing their own culture of free love. Where 1960s was a time of social awakening, it is also divided into two different periods i.e. 1961-1964 and 1965 to 1970. The first half of this decade was mainly taken over by political awakening of different demographic segments i.e. African American and women. This was also precisely the time of various civil rights movements, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther’s assassination and racial desegregation. On the other hand, the second half of 1960s showed a social shift which affected lifestyles and attitudes of youth greatly. The period after 1965 is precisely known for emergence of hippie culture with men bearing iconic long beard, youth using protection in intimate relationships, men and women practicing free love and making an attempt of switching off external world. Drugs and alcoholism was also trends coinciding with hippie culture. The suppressed youth which was tired of after-Vietnam war effects and extra influence of institutions, opted for free expression not only through speech but also through their beliefs. Same was reflected in music of 1960s with folk and rock-and-roll being the most eminent trends. Where folk music coincided with the political mood of the country in first half of 1960s, British invasion took over American music and made rock-and-roll more popular. It is important to note that the major icon of British invasion in American music were the Beatles. Where Beatles brought free spirit to American society, the timing also coincided with hippie culture prospering in it which also affected Beatles and their work (Miles 102). They also reportedly used drugs and the confession of doing so was seen in their music as well. Their psychedelic outlook also showed great resemblance with hippies. Acceptance of this culture by new idols of American youth introduced or to be more precise, unleashed a revolution questioning traditional values of family and marriage. The psychedelic genre of rock music is credited to Beatles along with other rock bands (Borthwick and Moy 38). Along with use of guitar, sitar and other forms of electrical music, Beatles referred to use of drugs as a celebration of personal freedom (Bogdanov, Woodstra and Erlewine). Believing in the same ideology as other American youth, style of the Beatles was readily accepted as it resonated with the feelings and emotions of restlessness prevailing at that time (Conolly 10-15). In other words, the Beatles provided a diversion to youth from social and political frustration that arose from absence of heroes and leaders. However, a careful analysis of the then musical scenario would illustrate that hippie culture prevailed before the arrival of Beatles i.e. the counter culture was not introduced by this musical band but their time coincided, illuminating effects of both (Kane). Furthermore, the arrival and acceptance of Beatles by American youth also highlighted importance of art in American life. Many artists emerged as eminent social figures and had a significant impact on the philosophy of youth along with altering their lifestyle. Although open approach of the Beatles was frowned upon by many including media groups due to indications of LSD’s effectiveness in some of their songs i.e. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Day in the Light”, this rejection by institutions could not stop fame experienced by the Beatles (Hicks 91). While discussing influence of the Beatles on youth, one cannot ignore ideology of Yoko Ono and Beatles’ John Lennon about feminism. They both appeared to be advocates of women’s rights which also coincided with the civil rights movement concerning women’s rights that took place in early 1960s. One of Lennon’s songs “Women is the Nigger of the World” portrayed the same. It is said that the phrase was coined by Yoko Ono during an interview which was later on used by Lennon (McDonald). It can be seen that influence of Yoko and Lennon’s own radical approach towards life made Lennon support feminism at various platforms. The same can be seen by his statement given during an interview as he stated. “The women are very important too, we cant have a revolution that doesnt involve and liberate women. Its so subtle the way youre taught male superiority. It took me quite a long time to realize that my maleness was cutting off certain areas for Yoko. Shes a red hot liberationist and was quick to show me where I was going wrong, even though it seemed to me that I was just acting naturally. Thats why Im always interested to know how people who claim to be radical treat women” (“Women is the Nigger”). Being associated to a key figure like Lennon and a thriving musician herself, actions of Yoko and her overall persona had a great influence on audience. Her illegal abortions and careless approach towards appearance and sexuality were some of her traits that are considered as key characteristics of feminism. Other than Beatles, another eminent name in music industry that reflected and influenced American youth is Bob Dylan. Despite being a UK based musician, Dylan’s work has enchanted the youth of 1965. It questioned the existing political system and showed disappointment towards established institutions and their control over youth’s life. The same music also demonstrated after effects of various civil movements that had taken place in the first half of 60s. Dylan’s songs especially “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Maggie’s Farm” shows youth’s will to untie knots with traditional forces and reflect a will of free life. Dylan’s Outlaw Blues appeared concurrent with Beatles’ hippie style and also influenced youth to adopt a carefree psychedelic life (Miles 75-82). It is important to note that the era between 1963 to 1966 is known for transforming original nature of rock and roll and Bob Dylan played an important role in doing so. Using music to deliver socio-political messages is credited to Dylan along with Beatles (Marcus 27). Like Beatles, Dylan also appeared to be an advocate of hippie culture which is proved from his various lyrics like “How does it feel to be on your own, with no direction home, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone?". Furthermore, Dylan’s disregard of defined social models and values along with advocacy of boundary less hippie culture is also proven by his saying, “Whats money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do (“Bob Dylan’s Quotes”). At another occasion, he stated, “Being noticed can be a burden. Jesus got himself crucified because he got himself noticed. So I disappear a lot (“Bob Dylan’s Quotes”).” The statement resonates with the ideology of hippie culture which focuses on breaking social ties and getting off the grid. Another important aspect of exploring relation between Dylan’s work and his surrounding specifically hippie culture is a finding that where Dylan’s music influenced youth, he was equally affected by his surroundings i.e. counter culture in 1960s to be more precise. The same is shown by his statement, “I paint mostly from real life. It has to start with that. Real people, real street scenes, behind the curtain scenes, live models, paintings, photographs, staged setups, architecture, grids, graphic design. Whatever it takes to make it work (“Bob Dylan’s Quotes”).” A careful analysis of transformation of 1960s rock music in the light of social landscape indicates that change from folk rock to current form of rock is also credited to hippie culture (Borthwick and Moy 41). The renaming of folk rock to acid rock is one such example. This musical evolution was taken place to reflect and accompany experience of LSD usage which was a prime element of hippie culture. Hence, the music shows disintegrated musical structure and also disregard for old social values (Scrauffi 89). If explored, it can be seen that Haight-Ashbury (San Francisco) was the source of origin of this culture and it remained the hub of readily available drugs and hippie culture in later years as well. Other than being the centre of other social and spiritual revolutions, Haight Ashbury was one of the places where drugs were easily available due to which it attracted more hippies from other parts of the country (Unterberger 120). Even influential figures like Lennon and Yoko also spent time in this neighborhood which was a centre of creativity due to all kinds of artists feeling in from all over the world. The borderless outlook of this neighborhood coincided with the rejection of materialism and defined social structures by the youth of 1960s by accepting poverty as a choice of a lifestyle instead of a misery imposed by social forces. It can be said that counter culture is one of the major characteristics of 1960s is the counter culture sparked and supported by hippies (Perone 29). Emerging from desire for equal opportunity, rejection for stable institutions and acceptance of new sexual behavior is some of the salient features of 60s youth (Roszak). If analyzed in retrospective, it can be seen that Americans had to undergo various social and political challenges that induced frustration into youth. Some of these events were civil rights issues, negligence towards women’s rights, Vietnam War and introduction of nuclear war accompanied by assassination of president and Cold war as well. Hence, the promise of peace and harmony by boundary less hippie culture appeared a suitable alternative for existing frustrating and controlling values. The counter culture further represented a philosophy instead of a mere change in lifestyle. The idea of ‘Turn on, tune in and drop out’ was to detach oneself from external turmoil and focus on inner peace by practicing intimacy and care (Hicks 87-91). This new ideology presented foundation for criticism of existing political system which was said to be materialistic and spirit less (Roszak). In addition to that, various religious and educational institutions also faced criticism for lack of meaning and self-righteousness. Therefore, new techniques like meditation, use of hallucinogens and free sex were used to push limits imposed by these institutions on individuals. A Summer of Love is considered as an important event in flourishing of this hippie culture. It was an outdoor protest organized by Michael Bowen through which thousands of hippies appeared in San Francisco and Manhattan along with conducting Monetary Pop Festival introducing rock music in the name of Summer of Love (Bogdanov, Woodstra and Erlewine). Where music was used by professional musicians to influence youth and promoting counter culture, it was also used by social and political activists to do the same and also promote alternate institutions and display of mistrust on pre-existing political system. One of such forces was Youth International Party, already known as Yippies. Yippies were known for their anti-war movements and theoretical gestures meant for ridiculing political forces. One of the major events in their political struggle was Festival of Life. Few renowned rock musicians who were advocates of counter culture participated in this event which drew thousands of fans from different part of the country. In addition to that, musicians, producers and writers like Phil Oschs, Ken Lester and David Peel were also supporters of this party. Another major event in the history of Yippies and 1960s’ music is Abbie Hoffman’s participation in major rock festival at Woodstock. Hoffman’s interruption during performance during this festival is still considered as legendary by social activists (Jezer 189). Where there is a significant difference between hippie culture and doctrines of the Yippies, some of the tenets of this culture were embraced by this party in its political agenda. While discussing radical nature of music in 1960s, Kutschke and Norton assert, “The Yippies and the MC5 while advocating some of the tenets of the peaceful counter culture; LSD and free love, were more closely aligned with its radical fringe (62).” The performance of MC5 during Yippies’ Festival of Life is considered as a sign of cultural revolution. The era of 1960s is known for long hair, excessive use of drugs, bell bottoms, rock music and rejection of previously acclaimed social idols. It can be seen that the later half of 60s demonstrated ideological changes in youth which was also reflected in music of that time. A careful analysis of social behavior and attitudes of the given time period illustrates frustration that arose from political and social turmoil faced by that generation in the name of war, inequality of rights and social status of different demographic segments and over-controlling institutions like Church, education and marriage. The ultimate replacement of this pre-defined social model was perceived to be hippie culture which was adopted and supported by key social figures like Bob Dylan and the Beatles. The given culture supported peace, harmony and free will and rejected existing social values. Although this culture faced a downfall after 1970s however its influence is still alive through music and many those still practicing it all over the world. Works Cited Bogdanov, Vladimir., Chris Woodstra and Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide to Rock: the Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul. Backbeat Books, 2002. Print. Borthwick, Stuart and Ron Moy. Popular Music Genres: an Introduction. Edinburgh University Press, 2004. Print. “Bob Dylan’s Quotes”. Brainy Quotes. Book Rags Media Network, n.d. Web. 22 April, 2014. Connolly, Roy. The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics 2. BPC Publishing Limited London, 1971. Hicks, Michael. Sixties Rock: Garage, Psychedelic, and Other Satisfactions Music in American Life. University of Illinois Press, 2000. Print. Kane, Larry. Ticket to Ride: Inside the Beatles‟ 1964 Tour that Changed the World. Running Press Book Publishers, 2003. Print. Marcus, Griel. Invisible Respublic: Bob Dylan’s Basement Tapes. Picador, 1998. Print. McDonald, Ian. Revolution in the Head: The Beatles’ Records and the Sixties. Chicago Review Press, 2007. Print. Miles, Barry. Hippie. Sterling Inc, 2004. Print. Perone, James E. Music of the Counterculture Era. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004. Roszak, Theodore. The Making of a Counter Culture. Doubleday Books, 1969. Scrauffi, Piero. A History of Rock and Dance Music. Omniware, 2009. Print. “Women is the Nigger of the World.” Beatles Bible. N.p, n.d. Web. 22 April, 2014. Unterberger, Richie. Eight Miles High: Folk-Rocks Flight from Haight-Ashbury to Woodstock. Backbeat Books, 2003. Print. Kutscke, Beate, and Barley Norton. Music and Protest in 1968. Cambridge University Press, 2013. Print. Jezer, Marty. Abbie Hoffman. Rutgers University Press, 1993. Print. Read More